d.--

Little Anabella had not gazed on this object of novelty for more than a
minute, before she recollected her mamma, and turned about to look for
her; but no mamma was there, and now the afflictions of her heart began.
She called aloud, "Mamma, mamma;" but no mamma answered. She then
crawled up a bank, which afforded her a view all around; but no mamma
was to be seen. She now burst into a flood of tears, and sat herself
down at the foot of the bank, by which people were passing and repassing
in great numbers.

Almost every body that passed said something or other to her, but none
offered to help her to find her mother. "What is the matter with you, my
little dear," said one, "that you cry so sadly?" "I have lost my
mamma;" said Anabella, as well as the grief of her heart would permit
her to speak. Another told her never to mind it, she would find her
again by and by. Some said, "Do not cry so, child, there is nobody that
will run away with you." Some pitied her, and others laughed at her; but
not one offered to give her any assistance.

Such, my little pupils, is the conduct of most people. When any
misfortune brings you into trouble, you will find enough ready to pity
you, but few who will give you any material assistance. They will tell
you what you then know yourselves, that you should not have done so and
so; they will be sorry for you, and then take their leave of you.

Little Anabella, however, was soon relieved from her present terrible
anxieties. A poor old woman, with eggs and butter in a basket, happened
to be that day going to the same market, whither Anabella's mother was
gone before her.

Seeing Anabella in so much distress, still crying as if her little heart
would break, she went up to her, and asked her what was the cause of
those tears that fell from her little cheeks: She told her she had lost
her mamma. "And to what place, my dear," cried the old woman, "was your
mamma going when you lost her?" "She was going to the market," replied
Anabella. "Well, my sweet girl," continued the old woman, "I am going to
the market too, and, if you will go along with me, I make no doubt but
we shall find your mother there. However, I will take care of you till
you do find her." She then took Anabella by the hand, and led her along
the road.

The good old woman put her hand in her pocket, and pulled out a piece of
nice plum-cake, which she gave to Anabella, who thankfully accepted of
it; but her little heart